Set beneath the Ochil Hills in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, The Gleneagles Hotel has long been one of the UK’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates, since opening its doors in June 1924. This August 2024, it unveils the brand-new Gleneagles Sporting Club, a destination that delivers contemporary athletic experiences, in a space that blends nostalgia with a modern sporting vibe.
Taking its cues from the estate’s 100-year history, the space boasts a sophisticated, heritage sporting aesthetic, with the design team drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of 20th century heritage tennis and polo clubs. In true Gleneagles style, the club welcomes guests with a spacious and relaxing lounge area, a space to enjoy a coffee whilst catching up on emails or just kicking back in style when a well deserved break is in order after a hard fought match on court. The lounge blends mid-century modern furniture and rich dark timber panelling, with floor to ceiling windows, flooding the space with ample natural lighting. The cosy and comfortable seating and self-serve ideology of the kitchen pantry give a laid back, homely feel, while the rich leather detailing throughout the lounge nods to the equestrian sports available in the club, capturing the classic equestrian style. Completing the open plan lounge is a dedicated retail area showcasing the club’s covetable lifestyle range. Featuring retro wooden merchandising displays and bold timber panelling, the new athleisure-wear range is on display, designed exclusively for the Gleneagles Sporting Club and only available to purchase on site.
The launch of the Gleneagles Sporting Club marks a new era of pursuits at the Glorious Playground. Moving towards the back of the club, the space features upgraded equestrian facilities, including the indoor arena and glamorous new boot room, alongside two indoor tennis courts, three padel courts and a climbing and bouldering wall, offering private tuition with some of Scotland’s finest coaches. There is also a courtside members’ lounge, inspired by classic vintage tennis clubs, with their cabana stripes, crisp whites and casual sophistication. Guests of all abilities now have the opportunity to perfect their skills in some of the UK’s most in demand sporting experiences. Designed to introduce a 21st century spin on the hotel's existing offering of quintessential sporting activities, the club adds to the estate’s repertoire of more than 50 country pursuits, including horse riding, fishing, golf, archery and more.
“This marks a real moment for Gleneagles, especially as we celebrate our 100th year this year. We’re known as one of the UK’s most innovative sporting estates, and are always looking at how we can continue to deliver on that expectation. With the introduction of the Gleneagles Sporting Club, we’re adding a contemporary take to our classic pursuits, and become one of the first luxury hotels in the world to offer this range of activities under one roof.” - Colin Farndon, Director of Leisure.
TENNIS & PADEL
Padel is the fastest growing racquet sport in the world due to its simplicity and is available for guests at Gleneagles Sporting Club. Featuring three courts - two doubles and a singles academy court - all with Mondo Supercourt XN artificial turf, each of the new courts can be booked for one-hour sessions, with doubles being the recommended format of this sociable sport. Gleneagles’ experts are on hand to offer guidance and tips to get you started, and there’s even bespoke padel coaching available to help guests go from complete beginner to padel pro.
The Gleneagles Sporting Club will also feature two indoor hard surface tennis courts. Tennis has been an integral part of the Gleneagles experience for a century, and the estate already offers five of the best outdoor tennis courts Scotland has to offer. With the indoor courts, guests will be able to practise and compete all year round.
CLIMBING & BOULDERING
With the introduction of a seven-metre high and 27-metre wide state-of-the-art indoor climbing and bouldering wall, come hail, rain or high winds, not even the weather can stop the adrenaline-filled sensation of scaling heady heights. For those new to the sport, bouldering is a form of free climbing and was initially used as a method of training for roped climbs or mountaineering at a relatively safe distance from the ground. Now, as one of the UK’s trendiest pastimes, Gleneagles’ specialist instructors will be on hand to teach beginners to move or traverse horizontally from one side of the wall to the next, focusing on efficient movement of the body.
With over 40 routes to the top of the seven-metre wall and with varying grades of difficulty, there’s a climbing challenge for everyone. Gleneagles’ team of instructors will get you harnessed up and clipped in and you will be scaling the heights in no time. They’ll introduce you to the skills needed to climb safely with auto-belays so whether you start with the simplest route or want to test yourself as the session progresses, you’ll be taught a number of techniques to help you reach the top.
To satisfy those with a competitive edge, speed climbing will also be on offer. Recently announced as an Olympic sport, speed climbing involves participants attempting to climb a matching route to reach the top of the vertical wall as fast as possible. It is a great way to introduce some healthy competition amongst friends and family and something to cheer about once everyone has set a personal best.
EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES
When it comes to horse riding in Scotland, the Gleneagles Equestrian School stands head and shoulders above the rest. The Gleneagles Sporting Club is home to a refurbished indoor arena, spacious individual changing rooms and locker facilities, alongside a new Boot and Hat Room for guests to get fitted with before their lesson. Inspired by the traditional aesthetic of the saddler and blacksmith, the Boot and Hat Room offers a stylish spot to prepare for a ride, with rustic wood paneling, bold wrought iron and soft leather details evoking the estate’s iconic stables, with a modern design twist.
Once kitted out with boots and a hat, guests will journey through to the newly refurbished indoor arena and stable yard, where they will experience some of the best riding lessons Scotland has to offer. Tailored to meet the needs of all abilities - whether it be dressage, showjumping or a gentle hack - Gleneagles’ team of horse riding instructors will be on hand to perfect the technique of even the most accomplished riders.
THE GLENEAGLES SPORTING CLUB BOUTIQUE
Completing The Gleneagles Sporting Club will be a stylish boutique showcasing the Club’s brand new lifestyle range. Exclusive to Gleneagles, the collection features effortlessly chic sportswear designed with a retro feel, alongside covetable accessories including caps, water bottles and towels featuring the new Sporting Club logo. With a glamorous vintage atmosphere, the boutique’s design will be finished with bold timber panelling, retro merchandising displays and heritage inspired leather detailing.
HOW: Rates for tuition at Gleneagles Sporting Club vary per sport, all information can be found on the Gleneagles website and can be discussed on enquiry. Rates for accommodation at Gleneagles Hotel start from £550 (currently approx. $730) based on two sharing and including breakfast. Retreats priced separately. A membership will also be available specifically for the Gleneagles Sporting Club or as an add-on for existing members.
